Students learn the art of crime scene investigations

Monica Szakac, Connecticut Post

By Monica Szakacs, Staff Writer

Updated 8:58 pm, Sunday, July 31, 2011

Bryan Kirby, Anthony Spiteri, Lindsey Hopper and Bryanna Johnson take part in the Crime Scene Investigation academy at the University of New Haven's Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science.
Photo: Monica Szakacs

Bryan Kirby, Anthony Spiteri, Lindsey Hopper and Bryanna Johnson...

Bryan Kirby and Lindsey Hopper investigate a simulated crime scene during the Crime Scene Investigation academy at the University of New Haven's Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science.
Photo: Monica Szakacs

Bryan Kirby and Lindsey Hopper investigate a simulated crime scene...

Victor DíAcenzo photographs evidence at a simulated crime scene during the Crime Scene Investigation academy at the University of New Haven's Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science.
Photo: Monica Szakacs

Victor DíAcenzo photographs evidence at a simulated crime scene...

Tanazeia Marks and Maria Zurita collect evidence at a simulated crime scene during the Crime Scene Investigation academy at the University of New Haven's Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science.
Photo: Monica Szakacs

"It's very tedious how one mistake or success can make or break a case," said Peter Massey, a forensic science lecturer and one of the camp co-directors. "It's not like how TV or the media portrays crime investigation."

With the proliferation of crime scene investigation television shows piquing interest in the subject, UNH developed a summer program that allows kids to learn from actual forensic scientists. Massey said the students learn the basics in one week, such as how to obtain a search warrant, conduct interviews, how to investigate a crime scene, gather evidence, identify blood splatter and lift fingerprints.

"We took them through the evolution of crime investigation,'' he said.

Twenty-seven kids were picked for the first session of the camp. At least 24 students said they are interested in pursuing a career in CSI, whether behind the scenes in the laboratory or at the scene of a crime.

Massey said CSI shows often don't portray the time it takes to investigate a case accurately and the technology used on the shows aren't always available to law enforcement agencies.

Danny Maxwell, criminal justice professor and camp co-director, said each year the camp sees an increase in participants and this year offered two sessions.

"The kids ask a lot of questions and are very interested in the subject matter," said Maxwell.

At the end of the week, the students work in groups to investigate crime scenes that are set up in rooms with a "dead" mannequin and evidence. Massey and Maxwell play the roles of the neighbors, witnesses, lab technicians, judges and prosecutors. Each group has a different scene and the scenarios are scripted, but Massey and Maxwell do not just come out and give the information.

"We wait for the students to ask us questions, so it's all up to them on how they lead the investigation and present their case," said Maxwell.

In the real world investigators have to work together, and students learn how to rely on one another.

Miranda Kay, 16, of Milford, found out about the camp through a friend. Kay said she was interested in the camp and would like to study forensics and archeology. During the week, she learned that it is important to keep a crime scene sterile.

"It's important to tell the original story of how the victim died, rather than telling the story of the people entering the scene in the aftermath," Kay said.

Victor D'Ascenzo, 16, of Fairfield, said he immediately fell in love with the camp. His mother suggested the camp because he is always watching CSI shows, he said. He said he may take a criminal justice course next year at Fairfield Ludlowe High school.

"I think it's cool to find a killer by going back in time," said D'Ascenzo. "You start with the end of the story and work your way to the beginning."